Chaos to Calm – Details, episodes & analysis

What if I told you that you’re not exhausted because you’re getting older.

You’re exhausted because your body isn’t getting what it needs.

Most women in perimenopause think they need more coffee, stricter diets, or harder workouts to fight fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain. But what if the real problem is how you’re fueling your body?

After competing in a full-contact national box lacrosse championship at 50, playing against women half my age in 2-hour games, five days straight, in 30-36º heat, I saw firsthand how nutrition, hydration, and recovery can make or break your energy levels - no matter your age.

Key Takeaways:

✔ The biggest fueling mistakes most women in perimenopause make - and why they’re making you feel more exhausted, not better.
✔ Why carbs are your friend, not your enemy (and how cutting them can actually backfire on your metabolism, sleep, and hormones).
✔ How to eat, drink, and train smarter so you stop crashing mid-afternoon and start feeling strong again - without extreme diets or over-exercising.

Sneak Peek:

“Some of the younger women were struggling. They were exhausted halfway through because they weren’t eating enough, weren’t eating the right things, and weren’t recovering properly. And I see this all the time with women in perimenopause too.”

Your body isn’t working against you - it just needs the right support.

The way you fuel yourself directly affects how you feel every day. If you’re tired of crashing at 3 p.m., feeling sluggish no matter what you eat, or wondering why your workouts aren’t making a difference, this episode is for you.

Listen now and start making the small shifts that lead to big results.

Links & Resources Mentioned:
📍 Blog post - The Perimenopause Diet
📍 1:1 sessions now available – work with The Perimenopause Naturopath team

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

You’re doing everything “right” - eating well, exercising, taking the supplements, maybe even starting HRT - so why do you still feel exhausted, foggy, and stuck in a body that isn’t cooperating?

If perimenopause has left you frustrated and wondering why nothing is working, chances are you’re making one of these three common mistakes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Most women are given generic, one-size-fits-all advice when it comes to perimenopause. But here’s the truth - what worked in your 30s won’t work now. In this episode, I break down the biggest mistakes women make when trying to fix their perimenopause symptoms and what actually works instead.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✔ Why HRT isn’t a magic fix: and how starting it at the wrong time can make symptoms worse, not better
✔ The real reason you still feel awful: and the overlooked health factors (beyond estrogen) that could be driving your symptoms
✔ Why DIY-ing your way through perimenopause is keeping you stuck: and how to finally get clarity on what your body actually needs

If you’ve been spinning your wheels, trying everything but still feeling awful, this episode will give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

SNEAK PEEK:

“Trying to ‘balance your hormones’ in perimenopause is like chasing the end of a rainbow - it’s just not going to happen. Instead of focusing on balance, we need to focus on helping your body adapt to these changes.”

If you’re tired of wasting time, money, and energy on things that don’t work, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually makes a difference for your body in perimenopause.

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Do you feel guilty after indulging?
If you’ve ever woken up after a big meal or event feeling bloated, sluggish, or beating yourself up for eating too much, you’re not alone. But what if you didn’t need to fix anything? What if guilt and restriction were keeping you stuck?

In this episode, I’m cutting through the diet myths and all-or-nothing thinking to share how you can recover after overindulging without punishing yourself. Learn simple, practical steps to feel better fast and move forward with confidence.

Key Takeaways:
• Let go of guilt and move forward: Discover why overindulgence isn’t a failure and how to break the cycle of guilt, shame, and restriction.
• Practical recovery tips that work: Learn how to use hydration, balanced meals, and gentle movement to reset and feel good again—without skipping meals or cutting calories.
• The power of reflection: Find out how to turn indulgence into an opportunity for learning and growth, so you can feel more in control next time.

Sneak Peek:
“Think of guilt as quicksand - the more you struggle in it, the deeper you sink. Instead, pause, take a breath, and focus on what serves your body right now.”

Overindulging isn’t just a holiday problem - it’s something most women struggle with at some point. In this episode, I’ll show you how to reframe indulgences, take care of your body, and move forward without the guilt or endless cycle of restriction.

Listen to the full episode for actionable steps to reset with kindness, intention, and strategies you can start using today.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
• Blog: Hydration
• Blog: The Perimenopause Diet
• Episode 54: How to Support Your Liver During Perimenopause
• Episode 29: The Lymphati

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed by the holiday chaos? It’s not just your to-do list that’s running you ragged.

This episode isn’t just another pep talk encouraging you to do less, and have more mani/pedis or weekends away. It’s a real-world guide from a busy homeschooling mum of 4 kids, to help you break the cycle of burn out and actually feel good and enjoy this holiday season.

Key takeaways:
In this episode, we’re diving into the difference between self-care and self-comfort and how small shifts in your habits can help you feel more energised, focused, and calm during the busiest time of year.

You’ll learn:

• Why self-comfort might be sabotaging your energy (and how to swap it for self-care that truly supports you).
• Simple, practical self-care hacks that don’t require hours of your time, like mindful moments, movement, and nourishing your body.
• The surprising power of reflection helps you stay grounded, avoid burnout, and feel more in control - even during the busiest weeks of the year.

Sneak peek:
“Self-care is a long-term investment in your well-being. It’s not necessarily a quick fix, but it can help you feel better in the short term too. It’s all about choosing habits that move you closer to your goals and not just easing that stress or feeling blah at the moment. And that’s what I would call self-comfort.”

If you’ve been putting everyone else’s needs first and feeling like you’re running on fumes, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with strategies you can put into practice today - no fluff, just real solutions that make a difference.

Links & resources mentioned in the episode:

• PerimenoGO: Ready to take your self-care to the next level?
• Self-care vs. Self-comfort Blog
• Hydration Tips Blog

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Emotional eating isn’t a lack of willpower - it’s your brain trying to make you feel safe in the easiest way possible.

If you’ve ever found yourself turning to chocolate, wine, or chips after a long day, you’re not alone - but it doesn’t have to stay this way.

Key takeaways
Discover the real reasons behind emotional eating and how perimenopause, holiday stress, and subconscious habits play a role. This episode breaks down:

• Why you eat on autopilot: Understand how the brain’s reward system strengthens emotional eating patterns - and why stress and overwhelm make this worse.
• How the festive season fuels emotional eating: Learn how family dynamics, unresolved emotions, and holiday busyness trigger this cycle.
• The first step to breaking the cycle: Why self-compassion and curiosity are essential tools for creating intentional, lasting change.

Sneak peek
“Knowing what food to eat is the easy part. The hard part is working with your mind - your monkey mind - stepping out of autopilot mode, and living intentionally. It’s about giving yourself permission to feel what’s there and learning to interrupt the patterns.”

This episode is for every woman who’s tired of feeling trapped by emotional eating - especially during stressful times. Listen now to gain clarity, feel empowered, and learn the first steps toward change.

Tune in to the full episode now to uncover how emotional eating works, why it feels so hard to break, and the tools you can start using today.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Podcast Episode: Setting Boundaries Without Guilt
• Podcast Episode: Avoiding Burnout This Holiday Season
• Learn more about PerimenoGO

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Tired of saying yes? How setting boundaries can change everything - especially at the end of the year.

If you’re worn out from always trying to keep everyone else happy, it might be time to rethink your approach to saying yes.

In this episode, we’re cutting through the guilt and tackling why boundaries are so essential - especially for women over 40 who are ready to put their well-being first. Learn why saying no isn’t selfish, how people-pleasing can mess with your health - especially in perimenopause - and how setting boundaries can make the holidays (and every other day) more manageable.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand why people-pleasing is a hard habit to break: Discover how cultural conditioning and your own primal brain might be working against you, making “no” feel like the wrong answer - even when it’s exactly what you need.
• Learn the real costs of people-pleasing in perimenopause: Find out how always saying yes can damage your health, relationships, and self-worth, and why it’s essential to put yourself back on your own priority list.
• Get practical strategies for guilt-free boundaries and saying no: We’ll talk through how to start setting boundaries that feel right for you, with scripts and examples that make it easier to stand your ground without feeling guilty.

Sneak Peek
“It’s really important to know that you don’t make people feel the way that they feel. That is always their choice… Our thoughts around what’s happening create those feelings. So if someone reacts poorly to your boundary, it’s their thought about it - not your worth or value as a person.”

If you’re ready to hit the holidays without feeling burnt out, tune in to learn how setting boundaries can shift your perspective, your health, and your relationships this holiday season.

Listen to the full episode now and start setting boundaries that stick.

Links & resources mentioned in the episode:

• Episode 39 - Self-coaching

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

The holiday season is full of joy, connection, and celebration - but it can also push you to the brink of exhaustion. If you’re tired of hitting Christmas Day and already feeling drained, you need to hear this.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between enjoying the festivities and preserving your energy.

Key Takeaways:

• The real reasons behind your holiday exhaustion and how perimenopause can amplify the overwhelm, so you can spot the triggers and protect your energy.
• Simple strategies that actually work, from prioritising a protein-rich breakfast to staying hydrated and scheduling downtime that recharges you, not drains you.
• Practical tips for managing holiday treats and alcohol without guilt, so you can indulge smartly and wake up refreshed instead of sluggish.

Sneak Peek:
“It’s not the holidays without pudding, mince pies, candy canes, chocolate... definitely you should enjoy those treats without guilt, no judgment at all, but do it mindfully and do it smart. Eat before treats. The problem happens when you're just grazing on sweets throughout the day.”

The holiday season should be a time of joy, not a time you push yourself to the limit and end up feeling burnt out.

Listen to this episode in full to get the tools you need to stay energised and fully present, so you can enjoy the season without paying for it with your well-being.

Links & resources mentioned in the episode:

• Blog on hydration and tips
• Blog on caffeine guidance

Tune in and make this holiday season one where you thrive, not just survive.

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Is your forgetfulness an early flag for dementia or just menopause?

You’re mid-conversation, and suddenly, you can’t remember the name of something basic. A grater? Your colleague’s name? Completely blank. If you've been wondering if this is normal or something more sinister, you're certainly not alone - but the answer might surprise you.

Tune in to this episode where we get to the real reasons behind these frustrating memory lapses, why you’re not losing your mind, and how you can regain your usual mental clarity.

Key Takeaways:

• Why memory lapses happen: Discover how hormonal changes during perimenopause are impacting your brain and why it's normal to feel like you’re forgetting things you used to know with ease.
• How neuroinflammation is holding you back: Learn about the hidden culprit behind brain fog and forgetfulness, and why your brain’s ability to process information is being slowed down.
• Gut health matters more than you think: Find out how the state of your gut is affecting your brain health and contributing to memory issues.
• Practical ways to sharpen your memory: I’ll share simple, actionable steps to support your brain through perimenopause—so you can start to feel like yourself again.

Sneak Peek:
"We move into our forties, and suddenly it's like, why am I so forgetful? Why am I not on top of all these things? You're in the middle of a conversation, or you're asking your kids to pass you something in the kitchen, something basic like a grater - and blank. You can't even remember what the name of it is, or you see someone that you've known forever and can't remember their name."

Curious to know what’s really going on in your brain - and how to take control of your memory again? Listen to the full episode to learn more about what’s happening and how to move forward with practical solutions.

Listen to the full episode now to understand how to beat brain fog and forgetfulness, and feel more focused every day.

Links & resources mentioned in the episode:

• PerimenoGO

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Is your hunger real, or are your hormones playing tricks on you?

If you’re constantly feeling hungry or craving carbs, even after eating well, it’s not about willpower - it’s about your hormones. In this episode, I’ll help you understand why your appetite is suddenly out of control and what’s really behind those cravings.

Key takeaways
In this episode, we break down the science behind your appetite and cravings, especially in perimenopause. You’ll learn:

• Why intuitive eating might not work for you during perimenopause - your hunger signals aren’t always reliable when your hormones are imbalanced.
• How key appetite hormones like leptin and ghrelin get disrupted, causing constant hunger, intense cravings, and even weight gain - no matter how well you’re eating.
• What you can do to identify the signs of hormonal imbalance and start taking steps to regain control over your appetite and your body.

If you've been wondering why your usual diet isn't working, why you're constantly hungry, or why you're gaining weight even though you haven’t changed your eating habits, this episode will provide the answers you need.

Sneak Peek
"There's lots of body positive practitioners who encourage or focus on that intuitive eating, call it like an anti-diet approach… I think this approach is short-sighted because it overlooks a crucial reality: when your hormones and biochemistry are out of balance, your hunger signals aren’t reliable."

If your appetite feels out of control and your cravings are making it harder to stay on track, understanding what’s happening inside your body is the first step. This episode is packed with insights to help you understand the root cause of your hunger and give you the tools to start making changes.

Listen to the full episode to learn how you can spot the hormone shifts messing with your hunger and start feeling more in control.

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Episode:
• Ozempic episode
• Free training: "Why you’re

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...

Is your liver secretly sabotaging your perimenopause?
When your liver is overloaded, it can mimic or worsen common perimenopause symptoms, leaving you stuck. Are you sure it’s just your hormones causing trouble?

Key takeaways:
• Spot the hidden signs of liver overload, like stubborn weight gain and unexpected fatigue.
• Understand why liver health matters more during perimenopause, and how it influences hormone balance.
• Gain practical steps to support liver function and take control of your symptoms.

Sneak peek:
"When you're going through perimenopause, it's easy to chalk up symptoms like fatigue, bloating, and weight gain to hormone changes or just being busy. But what if there's another key player - your liver?"

Discover how to identify liver-related issues and make meaningful changes to reduce symptoms. Don’t accept ‘just perimenopause’ when there’s more you can do.

Listen to the full episode now to learn how to support your liver and take back control of your perimenopause journey.

Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
• Episode 49 on Insulin 
• Episode 54 on Liver over loaders
• Episode 57 Gallbladder health

Send us a question for the FAQs segment or your feedback, we’d love to hear from you.

Find out more about Sarah, her services and the Freebies mentioned in this episode at https://www.ThePerimenopauseNaturopath.com.au

• The Perimenopause Decoder is the ultimate guide to understanding if perimenopause hormone fluctuations are behind your changing mood, metabolism and energy after 40, what phase of perimenopause you're in, and how much longer you may be on this roller coaster for.
• For more, follow on Instagram at @theperimenopausenaturopath.

WORK WITH SARAH THE PERIMENOPAUSE NATUROPATH:

• PerimenoGO (because who wants to pause anyway?!) A self-guided program to help you reverse weight gain, boost energy, and reclaim your mood — without extreme diets or cutting carbs. Perfect for women who want a realistic plan that fits around kids, work, and actual life.
• The Chaos to Calm Method: A 1:1 personalised program for women who want a more personalised plan and support — especially if you’ve got 10kg+ to lose, other health issues, or feel like your body’s just stuck. Includes comprehensive blood testing and analysis, Metabolic Balance ...